Vacation Rentals in St. Petersburg (FL)

Plan your next trip to the Sunshine City, St. Petersburg, wedged between the shimmering Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay. There are miles of soft sand beaches, world-class breweries, art museums and a slew of festivals to keep you entertained all year round. A range of sea-facing vacation rentals, many of which offer resplendent sunset views abound. After a hard day's sightseeing, come home to rest your head at your comfy rental.

St. Pete boasts hundreds of rentals that cater to all budgets and tastes. Art and culture trippers will be happiest camping out at Downtown St. Pete and the Central Arts District. The Boca Ciega Bay area meanwhile offers quiet respite but it's the happening St. Pete's Beach, Treasure Island and Clearwater strip that are the most sought-after. Rentals here cater to couples, families and large groups, and many are fitted with private pools, saunas, and even private docks. Pet-friendly properties are many!

A short drive north will get you to the emerald waters and fiery sunsets of Clearwater Beach. Enjoy fresh-off-the-boat seafood at the innumerable waterfront dining spots. Another top getaway is Madeira Beach, (locally known as Mad Beach) home to the cinematic John's Pass Village & Boardwalk. From here, it's easy to embark on a dolphin or pirate-themed cruise, or even chill out at the floating tiki bars. For a more rustic experience, try the beach at Sand Key Park where endangered bird species are frequently spotted.

Beach cafés, live music bars and chic rooftop lounges abound in St. Pete, and the nightlife options along Central Avenue and Downtown offer a truly local and funky experience. Recommended is the city's longest running live music bar Ruby's Elixir - a must for jazz, funk, rock and blues aficionados. If you fancy sampling pilsners and stouts at 25+ local breweries, the Gulp Coast Craft Beer Trail won't disappoint. Finally, infuse some romance into your sojourn with al fresco dinners at the seaside restaurants.

St. Pete's walls explode with color and creativity thanks to the 70+ gigantic murals that adorn Central Avenue and the Downtown area. Another gem is the fantastical Dali Museum where you'll encounter melting clocks, mustaches, and all things Dali. Things get more surreal at the Morean Glass Studio where visitors can watch artists chipping away at glass sculptures. For some old school art, pop into the Museum of Fine Arts whose collection spans over five millennia - there's Monet and Georgia O'Keeffe too.

January features the iconic John's Pass Seafood Festival on Madeira Beach - a smorgasbord of fresh seafood, live music and art. This is followed by St. Petersburg Fine Art Festival where local artists showcase stunning works spanning glass, fiber art, and more. Summer kicks in with St. Pete's Pride Fest, Florida's largest LGBTQ celebration. Soak in sultry jazz notes at October's Clearwater Jazz Holiday festival, a four-day event. The year ends with magnificently lit boat parades along the coast.

Whether it's dockside angling that you're after or an 8-hour deep sea fishing charter, St. Petersburg delivers. You could also consider a Jet Ski ride, or a parasailing adventure, where spectacular aerial views wait. For a full-body workout, pop into a local surf shop and inquire about Stand-up Paddle Boarding (known as SUP to locals). Calm waters ensure that newbies too get the hang of things quickly.

Dolphin cruises are many, and you'll be whisked to pristine sandbars where these friendly and intelligent creatures swim by. Crystal clear waters and a rich underwater sea life make snorkeling a top pastime in St. Petersburg. While you can snorkel at St. Pete's beach itself, the primeval Shell Key island makes for a wonderful day trip.

This sprawling county park is awash with tidal pools, sand dollars and brightly colored shells scattered across the soft white powder sands. Scenic paved trails are suited to roller-blading, cycling and running escapades, while a canoe or kayak ride could fetch you close encounters with turtles, star fish and blue crabs. The park's Historic and Fort Museum is also worth strolling through.

Highly recommended are the Florida Botanical Gardens, an oasis of tranquil teeming with butterflies, turtles, fish, and even baby gators. Tropical exotic plants, winding paths and benches make it a thoroughly enjoyable affair. Another charming diversion set bang in the center of the city are the Sunken Gardens whose resident pink flamingos make quite an impression on visitors.

The city's iconic pier boasts mesmerizing skyline views, and there's much to do as well: try local produce at The Marketplace, sun tan or swim in the warm Gulf waters, or check out the Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center. Come for the legendary golden sunsets and stick around for the nightly festive atmosphere. Finally, don't leave St. Pete without photographing the haunting and beautifully lit Bending Arc net sculpture by night.